If Sean Penn Is Adopting Charlize Theron's Son, He's Following In The Footsteps Of Several Great Celeb Fathers Before Him

It looks like things are getting very serious with Sean Penn and Charlize Theron. Reportedly, Sean Penn has filed to adopt Charlize Theron's son, 3-year-old Jackson. Theron and Penn have been dating for a little over a year, and this is a major step for the couple. However, this adoption move is not as rare for celebrity couples as you might think. There are actually plenty of other stars who have legally taken on the role as a parent to another celebrity's child.

Obviously, it's a huge commitment to both the romantic relationship and to the relationship with the child or children. This type of decision makes it clear that the adopter is really in it for the long haul with the child, no matter what ends up happening with between themselves and their partner. There are plenty of celebrities who have taken on an honorary role as a step-parent to their partner's children, but going forward with an adoption is a whole other game — it's a lifelong legal promise to the child. Let's take a look at some big stars who have made the decision to adopt and raise another celebrity's child as their own.

Sean Penn & Charlize Theron

TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

Even though the couple has only been together for a little over a year, it seems like this decision was a long-time coming. A source told People, "Charlize and Sean are very serious. Charlize says this is it. Jackson already calls Sean Daddy." Wow, that does sound very significant. Penn is already a parent to his 23-year-old daughter Dylan and his 21-year-old son Hopper from his marriage to Robin Wright.